Big Island Beaches

The Big Island of Hawaii, also called Hawaii, is the largest of the Hawaiian Islands - in fact it is bigger than all of the other islands combined! The Big island has over 100 beaches to choose from with sand ranging all the way from pure powdery white to shimmering obsedian black and there is even a green sand beach.

On the west coast of Hawaii, you find the lovely sand beach Ai’opio Beach. It is protected by offshore reefs which makes the water calm and great for swimming. You might also be lucky and see some of the turtles that comes to this cove to feed on the grasses provided.

One of the most beautiful beaches on the island is Kaunaoa Beach. It is an almost 1/4 of a mile long strip of white fine sand and a natural rock reef provides some protection from the surf. This is one of the most popular beaches on Hawaii and is great for both swimming and snorkelling.

To experience a beautiful black sand beach, you could go to Kaimu Black Sand Beach, a picturesque beach with black sand made of lava from the volcanos. This beach is situated on the south side of the Big Island and is well worth a visit.

Anaeho’omalu Beach on the north west of the Big island is a beach with white sand and black lava mixed together, giving it a “salt and pepper”-look. It is a beautiful resort area with some hotels and tourist facilities in the surroundings. The water is quite calm and good for swimming.

On the south-east side of the Big island near Pahoa is a black sand beach very popular with the local hippies. It is clothing optional and every Sunday they have a big drum circle - this is Kehena beach.

At Kealakekua Bay on the south west shore of the Big island you can find some of the most beautiful reefs in the whole state of Hawaii, making it a perfect place for scuba diving and snorkelling. Napo’opo’o Beach at the southern end of this bay is a mostly rocky beach, but with historical interest - this is where captain James Cook first landed when he arrived to Hawaii in 1778. The water is calm and clear here with beautiful surroundings which also makes is a great place for kayaking.

One of my favorite beaches is Ho’okena on the southwest side of the island. You can camp on the beach and a couple times a week you’ll see pods of dolphins and if you like you can swim with them! This is a magical experience.

These are just some of the many amazing spots to visit while on the Big Island of Hawaii.